Make a weekend out of FXBG Restaurant Week! Enjoy Downtown Fredericksburg the way it was meant to be experienced: with delicious food over multiple nights. But in addition to the wonderful establishments participating in FXBG Restaurant Week, there is so much else to do in Fredericksburg:
Stay
Downtown Fredericksburg has charming and historic inns, as well as major hotels—all with the amenities you expect.
The Richard Johnston Inn: Stay in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg and experience first-hand the historic character of the city. The Inn was constructed in 1770 by architect John Taylow, one of the original signers of The Declaration of Independence. It boasts seven beautifully appointed and luxurious guest rooms, and two suites. The Inn also serves a breakfast that is worth enjoying as its own culinary experience.
1890 Caroline House: The Richard Johnston Inn’s sister hotel is a more intimate experience. With three guest rooms, the Victorian-era building has a truly personal touch. The inn is also just a block from the train station, so those traveling to the ‘Burg to stay will find it easy and convenient.
Kenmore Inn: She’s beauty and she’s grace. The elegant Kenmore Inn was built in 1793 and has operated as a business since 1932, making it Fredericksburg longest operating inn. Currently, the Kenmore Inn offers 9 unique guest rooms, a restaurant and a pub, making it an ideal location for restaurant week visitors.
Courtyard by Marriot Fredericksburg Historic District: This 3-star hotel is a favorite of visitors and has amenities to spare. A high-end bar and its prime downtown location are just a couple of the perks of staying here. The hotel also has the coffee-shop Italian Station on-site for espresso connoisseurs to check out during Restaurant Week.
Your stay doesn’t end with hotels, though. There is plenty to do between meals in Fredericksburg.
For History Buffs
Fredericksburg is the homeplace of George Washington and James Monroe. The city has significant sites to both the Revolution and the Civil War. FredHeads, it seems, make history every day. Those who want to know more about the city can do so in comfort in style with a trolley tour of the city. The tours depart from the Visitors Center and cover all the sites. Check Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg website for their schedule.
Want the feel of Old Fredericksburg during your tour? You can book a private horse-drawn carriage tour with Olde Towne Carriages.
Take in history at the number of local museums, as well. The close-by James Monroe Museum covers the life and enduring legacy of the fifth president, and the downtown Washington Heritage Museums offer an in-depth look at local life during the colonial period. They run the ever-popular Mary Washington House, which is a must-see, along with the Rising Sun Tavern and Hugh Mercer Apothecary.
For the Nature Lover
Check out the natural beauty of the city’s trail system. The Canal Path and the connected Rappahannock River Heritage Trail are scenic paved pathways, 3.1-miles long that wind along the canal and the river. Also in the city is the Virginia Central Railway Trail, a 2.7 mile trail for pedestrians, bicyclists and runners. It extends from the eastern end of the Cobblestone development off Lafayette Boulevard and across the Blue and Gray Parkway, completed with a trail through local natural wonder Alum Spring Park. The city also boasts miles of hikes in the Motts Run Reservoir Recreational Area.
Before you check out the trails, gear up and get advice on the best spots at River Rock Outfitter on William Street in downtown Fredericksburg, where the staff is just as enamored with the outdoors as you are.
For Shoppers
There are even more opportunities for the retail-minded downtown. From clothes to home goods to fair trade to gourmet food to art and even a classic used bookstore, Fredericksburg has a little something for every shopper.
Whittingham and The Kitchen at Whittingham on Caroline Street is a favorite for luxury kitchen items and home décor. While the products they provide are excellent on their own, the store is staged with ideas for your home, and its ever-changing storefront window is a site in itself.
Latitudes Fair Trade down Caroline Street is another local shopping experience not to be missed. Locally owned, the store has a collection of gifts, clothes and homewares that are handpicked by its owners from artisans around the world.
Fans of internationally produced items should also check out Du Jardin in downtown Fredericksburg. It’s collection of German, and other European, goods and furnishings is especially enchanting in the winter.
Those with a focus on food, though, would be remiss not to visit Sweet Sheep Candy and Wonder Emporium, with barrels and counters full of all-time favorite candies and chocolates. The store also offers fun gifts and novelty items. You will also find gourmet olive oil seller Taste, where shoppers can sample all of the oils and vinegars sold.
For All-Around Fun Seekers
Off the beaten path, you can find plenty of local shops and points of interest. The art-inclined can find Sophia Street Studios overlooking the river just around the corner from much of the downtown action. In addition, LibertyTown Arts Workshop across town is a haven for local artists. You’ll find every medium imaginable, and the workshop offers classes.
Have lunch at the Sunken Well Tavern while on that side of town, which is participating in FXBG Restaurant Week and is the preferred local hangout of residents in the Fairview neighborhood.
There’s no shortage of good times to go around downtown. Swing by the Fredericksburg Visitor Center at 706 Caroline Street for maps, guides and for more information on fun, local spots to spend time.
Here are a couple of points of interest just right out of downtown that you don’t want to miss: